Full equivalence is the most common outcome of the equivalence reviews

Some 15.000 applications for recognition of foreign professional qualifications were processed in 2014 in Germany. The competent authorities responsible for the recognition procedure compare the applicants’ foreign qualification to the corresponding German qualification in order to determine their equivalence. The key criterion for granting equivalence is that as a result of foreign vocational training the applicant has acquired the knowledge and skills necessary for practising that profession in Germany. In addition to formal learning outcomes, relevant work experience or other evidence of competence are taken into consideration.

In most of the cases, full or partial equivalence could be established. Only 4% of the applicants received a negative ruling. One has to bear in mind that partial equivalence is broadly defined and, thus, varies from only limited to large overlaps between the German and the foreign qualification. The significant differences, which can be compensated through the formalized additional training (compensation measures), vary accordingly. The share of those granted full equivalence is, though, very high. They make up 78% of all applicants.

Recognition by professional group 2014: The share of those granted full equivalence in the health and sales sector stands at more than 75%. The success rate in the law and administration sector is, on the contrary, extremely low due to significant differences in the law and administration systems among the countries.

Recognition by profession 2014: In terms of individual professions, the success rate diverges widely. Over 90% of applicants who wish to have their license to practice as a veterinarian, occupational therapist, speech therapist or pharmacist recognized receive full equivalence. In the most professions, the share of those granted full equivalence varies from 50% to 90%.recognized.

Recognition by region 2014: The success rate differs depending on the region where the foreign professional qualification was obtained. The success rate tends to be higher in the regions close to Germany in terms of culture and location.

Recognition by country 2014: Applicants from Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain have the highest chances of positive ruling since their success rate is over 90%. The recognition rate of those from Belgium equals 100%, which means that all applicants from Belgium get full equivalence.

The most important countries of training for the selected professions 2014: the majority of the application for recognition of professional qualifications are submitted by doctors. The most frequent country of training is Romania with 561 cases processed. Such professions as general care nurses, electronics technician and motor vehicle mechatronics technician are also considered in this section.

The most important professions for the selected countries of training 2014: the majority of recognition notifications were granted to the applicants from Poland. The general care nurses stand here on the first place. Then come physiotherapists, doctors, office clerks, sellers and motor vehicle mechatronics technicians. Similar statistics are presented for Rumania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Syria.